Digital microform imaging apparatus

ABSTRACT

A digital microform imaging apparatus, comprising a chassis, a fold mirror supported by the chassis and including a reflecting surface for directing light from a first substantially vertical optical axis to a second substantially horizontal optical axis, a microform media support structure supported at a location intersected by the first optical axis, a first carriage supported for movement along a trajectory that is substantially parallel to the second optical axis, an area sensor supported for movement along the second optical axis, the area sensor further supported by the first carriage for rotation about an axis parallel to the second optical axis and a lens supported for movement along the second optical axis, the lens positioned between the area sensor and the fold mirror, a first motor mounted to the first carriage and linked to the area sensor for rotating the area sensor between at least two positions for obtaining portrait and landscape images of a microform media.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/968,080 which was filed on Aug. 15, 2013, which was titled“Digital Microform Imaging Apparatus”, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/560,283, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,537,279which was filed on Jul. 27, 2012, which was titled “Digital MicroformImaging Apparatus”, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/748,692, filed on May 15, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,269,890,dated Sep. 18, 2012, and titled “Digital Microform Imaging Apparatus,”each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a digital microform imaging apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Microform images are useful in archiving a variety of documents orrecords by photographically reducing and recording the document in afilm format. Examples of typical microform image formats includemicrofilm/microfiche, aperture cards, jackets, 16 mm or 35 mm film rollfilm, cartridge film and other micro opaques. A microfiche article is aknown form of graphic data presentation wherein a number of pages orimages are photographically reproduced on a single “card” of microfichefilm (such as a card of 3×5 inches to 4×6 inches, for example). Anysuitable number of pages (up to a thousand or so) may bephotographically formed in an orthogonal array on a single microfichecard of photographic film. The microfiche film may then be placed in anoptical reader and moved over a rectilinear path until an image or aselected page is in an optical projection path leading to a displayscreen. Although other electronic, magnetic or optical imaging andstorage techniques and media are available, there exists an extensivelegacy of film type records storing the likes of newspapers and otherprint media, business records, government records, genealogical records,and the like.

Past microfilm readers included an integral display which made thereader quite large, see for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,647,654. As thenumber of images that can be put on a standard size varies, and also thesize of the record, for example a typical newspaper page is larger thana typical magazine page, images are recorded on film within a range ofreduction ratios (original size/reduced size), and aspect ratio (ratioof height to width of the image, or vice versa). A typical microfilmreader may have a range of zoom or magnification available toaccommodate a portion of the reduction ratio range; however, this zoomrange is limited and does not accommodate all reduction ratios. Further,in a microfilm reader of the type in the '654 patent, the optical systemis enclosed and relatively fixed, and cannot be modified by a user toaccommodate a range of reduction ratios for which it is not designed.With the adoption of new storage media such as CDs and DVDs, and theprevalent use of desktop computers in libraries and other facilitieswhich store records, it became apparent that a microfilm reader whichacts as a peripheral device to a desktop computer and uses thecomputer's display for displaying the film's images has severaladvantages. Such a device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,057,941, forexample.

One of the advantages is that a single workstation can accommodate avariety of media such as microfiche or other film, optical media such asCDs and DVDs, and other electronic and magnetic media. Another advantageis that a single display is used for displaying a variety of mediaimages. These advantages have led to the development of microfilmreaders which work in conjunction with a desktop computer; however,known peripheral device microfilm readers still have the problem ofaccommodating a relatively large range of reduction ratios for the filmimages. One known solution is to provide a peripheral device microfilmreader with multiple zoom lenses to cover the full range ofmagnification required by the relatively large range of reductionratios. There are several disadvantages to this approach which includethe lenses end up missing or misplaced, the microfilm reader becomesundesirably large, and/or special instructions are required to swap outlenses which makes the different zoom lenses difficult to use. Anapparatus and/or method is needed which can accommodate a relativelylarge range of reduction ratios without the need for changing out partsof the apparatus such as the lenses, or without the need for veryexpensive zoom lenses.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,301,398 discloses an apparatus for processing microficheimages where two carriages ride on common rails, driven by lead screwsand small DC servomotors, where one carriage carries the CCD cameraboard, and the other carriage carries an objective lens mounted upon avertically moving lens board. In operation, the system's digitalcontroller solves a simple lens equation based upon three variables:lens focal length, optical reduction ratio and pixel resolution atoriginal document scale, or “dots per inch” (dpi). It then drives theZ-axis carriages to their calculated positions. The controller thencommands a succession of image scans, each time displacing the lenscarriage slightly. It analyzes the images and then returns the lenscarriage to the position giving best focus. Although this system canaccommodate a variable optical reduction ratio, it has severaldisadvantages or limitations. Disadvantages include that the lenscarriage is iteratively focused which can cause eye strain if a personis viewing the image during the focusing process, and this process takestime. Another disadvantage is that the leads screws include backlashwhen reversing direction, which can make the iteratively focusingprocess difficult and/or imprecise, and the '398 patent is absentdisclosure which discusses how to rectify such a problem. Yet anotherdisadvantage is that illumination system, film holder, lens and cameraare all in line which creates a bulky system. Yet further, the '398patent is absent disclosure which indicates what range of reductionratios it can accommodate.

Other noted U.S. patents are U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,137,347; 5,726,773;3,836,251; and 5,061,955. However, these patents, along with the othercited patents, together or separately, fail to disclose or suggest acompact digital microform imaging apparatus which can easily adapt to abroad range of reduction ratios, and also fail to disclose or suggestsuch a device while offering other modern features leveraging thepotential versatility available in such a system used in conjunctionwith a computer system.

What is needed in the art is a compact and versatile digital microformimaging apparatus which can easily adapt to a broad range of reductionratios and media types while providing good resolution of the images andease of use.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a digital microformimaging apparatus which includes a chassis which has a microform mediasupport structure, and an area sensor rotatably connected to thechassis.

The invention comprises, in another form thereof, a digital microformimaging apparatus which includes an approximately monochromaticillumination source transmitting an incident light through a diffusewindow along a first optical axis of the apparatus. A microform mediasupport is configured to support a microform media after the diffusewindow and along the first optical axis. An approximately 45 degree foldmirror reflects the incident light transmitted through the microformmedia approximately 90 degrees along a second optical axis. An imagingsubsystem includes a lens connected to a first carriage which islinearly adjustable approximately parallel with the second optical axis,and an area sensor connected to a second carriage which is linearlyadjustable approximately parallel with the second optical axis.

The invention comprises, in yet another form thereof, a digitalmicroform imaging apparatus which includes a chassis and an imagingsubsystem connected to the chassis. The imaging subsystem has a firstlead screw and a second lead screw approximately parallel with the firstlead screw. Each lead screw is connected to the chassis. The imagingsubsystem includes at least one approximately L-shaped carriage with afirst leg threadingly coupled to the first lead screw and slidinglycoupled to the second lead screw.

An advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that itprovides a compact microfilm viewer/scanner.

Another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is that itcan accommodate a broad range of image reduction ratios without the needto change zoom lenses.

Yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is thatit can accommodate a broad range of microform media types such as allfilm types and micro opaques.

Yet other advantages of an embodiment of the present invention are thatit uses an area sensor to sense the image being displayed therebyeliminating the need for scanning individual images with a line sensor,and resulting in high resolution scans in a relatively short amount oftime, for example one second.

Yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is thatit provides 360° image rotation.

Yet another advantage of an embodiment of the present invention is thatit has low energy usage.

Yet other advantages of an embodiment of the present invention are thatit has either autofocus or manual focus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a digital microformimaging system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the digital microform imaging apparatusused in the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of the digital microform imagingapparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is an exploded, fragmentary, perspective view of the digitalmicroform imaging apparatus of FIG. 2, illustrating particularly the X-Ytable mobility;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the digital microform imaging apparatusof FIG. 2 with the cover removed and as viewed from generally rearwardof the apparatus, and particularly illustrating the correlation betweenthe rotational movement of the motors and lead screws, and thetranslational movement of the carriages;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the digital microform imaging apparatus of FIG.4;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the digital microform imaging apparatus of FIG.4;

FIG. 7-7 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 7-7 in FIG.3A;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the digital microform imaging system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the imaging subsystem of the digitalmicroform imaging apparatus of FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the lens carriage assembly ofFIG. 9, including among other elements, the lens and lens carriage;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the rotating sensor carriageassembly of FIG. 10, including among other elements, the rotating sensorand sensor carriage;

FIG. 12 is a screen shot of an embodiment of a computer user interfaceof the digital microform imaging system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a digitalmicroform imaging apparatus according to the present invention,particularly illustrating a motorized roll film microform media support;and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a digitalmicroform imaging apparatus according to the present invention,particularly illustrating a hand operated roll film microform mediasupport.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, andsuch exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope ofthe invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there isshown a digital microform imaging system 20 which generally includesdigital microform imaging apparatus (DMIA) 22 connected to a computer24. Computer 24 can include one or more displays 26, and user inputdevices such as a keyboard 28 and mouse 30. DMIA 22 and computer 24 canbe placed on a worksurface 32 of a desk, or other worksurfaces, forconvenient access and ease of use. DMIA 22 can be electrically connectedto computer 24 via cable 34, which may provide communication using aFireWire IEEE 1394 standard, for example.

Computer 24 can be connected to a printer (not shown) orconnected/networked to other computers or peripheral devices (also notshown) to print, store or otherwise convey images produced by DMIA 22.Although cable 34 is described as an electrical type cable,alternatively DMIA 22 and computer 24 can communicate via fiber optics,or wirelessly through infrared or radio frequencies, for example.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 2-9, DMIA 22 includes anapproximately monochromatic illumination source 36, such as a lightemitting diode (LED) array or other monochromatic illumination source,transmitting an incident light 38 through a diffuse window 40 along afirst optical axis 42 of apparatus 22. Light emitting diode (LED) array36 can be an approximately 13×9 array of individual LEDs operating inthe 495-505 nm wavelength region, although array 36 is not limited tosuch parameters. The relatively monochromatic nature of source 36 helpsreduce chromatic aberration in DMIA 22, thereby improving the opticalresolution of the images produced. Diffuse window 40 can be a frostedglass which diffuses the light emanating from array 36, thereby creatinga more uniform illumination source. DMIA 22 can include cover 43 to helpprotect the inner elements of DMIA 22.

A microform media support 44 is configured to support a microform media46 after diffuse window 40 and along first optical axis 42. In theembodiment shown support 44 is an X-Y table, that is, support 44 ismovable in a plane which is approximately orthogonal to first opticalaxis 42. Referring particularly to FIGS. 3A and 3B, microform mediasupport 44 includes frame 48 which supports first window 50 on one sideof microform media 46, and second window 52 on the other side ofmicroform media 46. Second window 52 hinges upward at 54 when frame 48is moved forward to the extent that lever 56 (connected to second window52) contacts ramps 58 (one ramp on either side), and similarly, hingesdownward at 54 when frame 48 is moved rearward as lever 56 is releasedfrom contact with ramp 58. In this way the microform media 46, shown asa microfiche film with an array of images 60, can be placed and heldsecurely between windows 50, 52 for viewing. Frame 48, along withwindows 50, 52 and media 46, are slidingly supported on rods 62 bybearings (not shown) to allow a transverse movement 63 of frame 48,windows 50, 52 and media 46. Rods 62 are connected to brackets 64, whichbrackets are slidingly supported by chassis 66 and bearings (not shown)to allow a longitudinal movement 68 of frame 48, windows 50, 52, media46 and rods 62.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 6-8, an approximately 45° fold mirror 70reflects the incident light transmitted through microform media 46approximately 90° along a second optical axis 72. First optical axis 42and second optical axis 72 can be thought of as segments of the singleor main optical axis. Mirror 70 is connected by a three point mount 76to mirror mount 78 by fasteners 80 and springs 82. Mirror mount 78 isconnected to chassis 66 as shown. Fold mirror 70 advantageously shortensthe overall longitudinal length of the optical axis which allows DMIA 22to be more compact.

An imaging subsystem 84 includes a first lead screw 86 and a second leadscrew 88 where each lead screw is approximately parallel with secondoptical axis 72. A lens 90 is connected to a first carriage 92 which islinearly adjustable by rotating first lead screw 86. Lens 90 includesstop 94 and f-stop adjustment 96 which can adjust the aperture of stop94. Lens 90 can have a fixed focal length of 50 mm, for example. Thisfocal length has the advantage of a relatively large depth of focus. Arough formula used to quickly calculate depth of focus is the product ofthe focal length times the f-stop divided by 1000, which yields a depthof focus of 0.55 mm for a 50 mm focal length and f11 f-stop adjustment.An area sensor 97 is connected to a second carriage 98 which carriage islinearly adjustable by rotating second lead screw 88. Area sensor 97 canbe an area array CCD sensor with a two dimensional array of sensorelements or pixels, for example, with a 3.5 μm2 pixel size, or othertypes of sensors and pixel sizes depending on resolution sizerequirements. The area array nature of sensor 97, when compared to aline sensor, eliminates the need for scanning of the sensor when viewingtwo dimensional images. The overall novel optical layout of the presentinvention including the separately adjustable area sensor 97 and lens90; 45° fold mirror 70; and film table 44 location; algorithms formoving the lens and sensor to appropriate respective locations toachieve proper magnification and focus of the image; and the lens focallength and relatively large depth of focus, allows DMIA 22 to autofocuswithout the need for iterative measurements and refocusing the of lens90 during magnification changes to accommodate different reductionratios of different film media. Further, the present invention caneasily accommodate reduction ratios in the range of 7× to 54×, althoughthe present invention is not limited to such a range.

A first motor 100 is rotationally coupled to first lead screw 86 bytiming pulley 102, belt 104 with teeth, and timing pulley 106, and asecond motor 108 is rotationally coupled to second lead screw 88 bytiming pulley 110, belt 112 with teeth, and timing pulley 114. Acontroller 116 is electrically connected to first motor 100, secondmotor 108 and area sensor 97, where controller 116 is for receivingcommands and other inputs from computer 24 or other input devices,controlling first motor 100 and second motor 108, and other elements ofDMIA 22, and for outputting an image data of area sensor 97.Consequently, controller 116 can include one or more circuit boardswhich have a microprocessor, field programmable gate array, applicationspecific integrated circuit or other programmable devices; motorcontrols; a receiver; a transmitter; connectors; wire interconnectionsincluding ribbon wire and wiring harnesses; a power supply; and otherelectrical components. Controller 116 also provides electrical energyand lighting controls for LED array 36. The lead screws serve a dualfunction of providing guiding elements as well as drive elements forlens and sensor carriages. It is contemplated that the present inventioncan include alternate designs which can separate these two functions ofguiding and driving using, for example, rails or unthreaded rods or acombination thereof for guiding, and a belt or rack and pinionarrangement or a combination thereof for driving.

A third motor 118 is rotationally coupled to area sensor 97, wherecontroller 116 additionally controls third motor 118 through electricalconnections as with motors 100 and 108. For example, controller 116 canrotate area sensor 97, using motor 118, timing pulley 120, belt 122 withteeth, and timing pulley 124, to match an aspect ratio of microformmedia 46, and particularly an aspect ratio of images 60. A light baffle126 can be connected to area sensor 97 to reduce stray light incident onsensor 97 and thereby further improve the resolution and signal to noiseof DMIA 22. Light baffle 126 can have an antireflective coating at thefront and inside surfaces of the baffle to further reduce stray lightincident on sensor 97. Motors 100, 108 and 118 can be DC servomotors, orother motors.

In order to autofocus DMIA 22 without iterations and successivemeasurements, and for other reasons, it is important that backlash isminimized or eliminated when rotating lead screws 86, 88 to linearlyactuate carriages 92, 98. Further, lens 90 and area sensor 97 require astable platform in order to maintain optical alignment. Referring moreparticularly to FIGS. 10 and 11 there is shown in detail lens carriageassembly 127 and area sensor carriage assembly 129, respectively. Firstcarriage 92 can be L-shaped with a first leg 128 threadingly coupled tofirst lead screw 86 using a tubular fitting 130 coaxially mounted withfirst lead screw 86 and a toothed insert 132 inserted into slot 134 intubular fitting 130 threadingly engaging at least some of the threads offirst lead screw 86. A biasing element in the form of O-ring 136, forexample, holds toothed insert 132 in slot 134 and biases toothed insert132 against the threads of first lead screw 86. The threads of leadscrews 86, 88 are approximately rectangular in profile, and teeth 138 oftoothed insert 132 are triangular. Further, lead screws 86, 88 can bemade from stainless steel whereas toothed insert 132 can be made from aself lubricating polymer such as polyoxymethylene, sometimes referred bythe brand name Delrin, or other Nylon-based products such as Nylatron,or other materials. When triangular teeth 138 are inserted intocorresponding rectangular threads of lead screws 86, and biased theretowith O-ring 136, one edge of each tooth is always engaging acorresponding edge of the rectangular thread, and the other edge of eachtooth is always engaging the other corresponding edge of the rectangularthread. In this way backlash is eliminated because teeth 138 areimmediately engaged with the threads regardless of clockwise orcounterclockwise motion of the lead screws, and also regardless of theirjust previous clockwise or counterclockwise motion. First leg 128 isalso slidingly coupled to second lead screw 88 with a bushing 140. Asecond leg 142 is connected to first leg 128, the second leg slidinglycoupled to first lead screw 86 with another bushing 140. In a similarmanner, second L-shaped carriage 98 includes a third leg 144 threadinglycoupled to second lead screw 88 using another tubular fitting 130,toothed insert 132 and O-ring 13, and slidingly coupled to first leadscrew 86 using a bushing 140. A fourth leg 146 is connected to third leg144, where fourth leg 146 is slidingly coupled to second lead screw 88using another bushing 140.

Lens carriage assembly 127 can include a three point adjustable mountfor lens 90 by mounting lens 90 to first carriage 92 using plate 148,ring 150, fasteners 152 and springs 154.

Computer 24 can include a software computer user interface (CUI) 156displayed by display 26 with user inputs to control DMIA 22 in general,and particularly, illumination system 36, motors 100, 108 and 118, andother elements of DMIA 22. Referring to FIG. 12, CUI 156 can include thefollowing software user input buttons: positive/negative film type 158;landscape/portrait film orientation 160; rotate optical 162 for rotatingthird motor 118; optical zoom 164 which controls first motor 100 andsecond motor 108; digital image rotation 166; mirror image 168 foradjusting for when media 46 is placed on support 44 upside down;brightness 170 which adjusts the speed of sensor 97; contrast 172; focus174 with manual focus (−/+) and autofocus (AF), also controlling firstmotor 100; digital magnifier 176; live button 178; scan type/selectinggrayscale, grayscale enhanced, halftone 180; resolution/image capture182; scan size button for prints/fit to page 184; save image scan tocomputer drive #1 186; save image scan to computer drive #2 188; saveimage scan to computer drive #3 190; save image scan to email 192; printimage 194; restore settings 196; save settings 198; setup/tools 200; andmotorized roll film controls 202 for embodiments with motorized rollfilm attachments. A programmer with ordinary skill in the art inWindows, or other, operating systems, and C++ or Visual Basicprogramming language can create the CUI 156 as shown in FIG. 12 anddefined above. CUI 156 images the image data 204 from sensor 97 ondisplay 26.

Illumination source 36 can alternatively include lasers or laser diodes,electroluminescent panels, light sources with narrow band light filters,or other monochromatic sources. Media 46 can include any microform imageformats such as microfilm/microfiche, aperture cards, jackets, 16 mm or35 mm film roll film, cartridge film and other micro opaques. Microopaques are different than transparent film. Images are recorded on anopaque medium. To view these micro images one needs to use reflectedlight. The present invention can use LED arrays 37 (FIGS. 6 and 7) foruse with micro opaques, which can be the same, or similar to, themonochromatic LED's that are used in illumination source 36.

In the embodiment of FIG. 13, DMIA 206 includes a microform mediasupport in the form of motorized roll film attachment which has a supplyside 208 and a take up side 210 and film guides 212, in addition to X-Ytable 44. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, DMIA 214 includes a microformmedia support in the form of hand operated roll film attachment whichhas a supply side 216 and a take up side 218 with cranks 220, and filmguides 222, in addition to X-Y table 44. In other ways, DMIAs 206 and214 are similar to or the same as DMIA 22. Therefore, the microformmedia support structure according to the present invention is at leastone of a X-Y table, a motorized roll film carrier, and a hand operatedroll film carrier, and a cartridge film carrier.

A preferred embodiment of the invention has been described inconsiderable detail. Many modifications and variations to the preferredembodiment described will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill inthe art. Therefore, the invention should not be limited to theembodiments described. Rather, in order to ascertain the full scope ofthe invention, the claims which follow should be referenced.

I claim:
 1. A digital microform imaging apparatus, comprising: achassis, a fold mirror supported by the chassis and including areflecting surface for directing light from a first substantiallyvertical optical axis to a second substantially horizontal optical axis;a microform media support structure supported by the chassis forsupporting a microform media at a location intersected by the firstoptical axis; a first carriage supported by the chassis for movementalong a trajectory that is substantially parallel to the second opticalaxis; an area sensor supported by the first carriage for movement alongthe second optical axis within a first range to adjust a distancebetween the area sensor and the fold mirror, the area sensor furthersupported by the first carriage for rotation about an axis parallel tothe second optical axis; and a lens supported by the chassis formovement along the second optical axis within a second range to adjustthe distance between the lens and the fold mirror, the lens positionedbetween the area sensor and the fold mirror; and a first motor mountedto the first carriage and linked to the area sensor for rotating thearea sensor between at least two positions for obtaining portrait andlandscape images of a microform media.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the area sensor is rotated substantially 90 degrees between theat least two positions.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further including asecond carriage supported by the chassis for movement along a trajectorythat is substantially parallel to the second optical axis, first andsecond elongated and substantially straight, parallel and spaced apartdrive mechanisms that extend substantially parallel to the secondoptical axis and second and third motors that include second and thirdmotor shafts, respectively, the first carriage coupled to the chassisvia the first drive mechanism and the second motor such that rotation ofthe second motor shaft causes the first carriage to move along the firstlead member along a trajectory that is substantially parallel to thesecond optical axis, the lens supported by the second carriage and thesecond carriage coupled to the chassis via the second drive mechanismand the third motor such that rotation of the third motor shaft causesthe second carriage to move along the second lead member along atrajectory that is substantially parallel to the second optical axis. 4.The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first and second elongated drivemechanisms are supported at the same height.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4wherein the lens and the area sensor are located between the first andsecond drive mechanisms.
 6. The apparatus of claim 3 further includingat least first and second elongated straight lead members extendingsubstantially parallel to the second optical axis, the first and secondcarriages each supported by the first and second lead members formovement there along.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the first leadmember forms the second drive mechanism and the second lead member formsthe first drive mechanism.
 8. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein thesecond and third motor shafts include toothed pulleys and wherein thedrive mechanisms include first and second toothed belts linked to thetoothed pulleys on the second and third shafts, respectively.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 5 wherein the second and third motors are stationarywith respect to the chassis while the first and second carriages move,respectively.
 10. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first motorincludes a first toothed pulley mounted to a motor shaft, the apparatusfurther including a toothed loop shaped belt that links the first motorshaft to the area sensor.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the firstand second ranges overlap at least somewhat.
 12. The apparatus of claim3 further including a controller that controls the first and secondmotors to move the first and second carriages simultaneously to at leastsomewhat maintain focus of an image on the area sensor as zoom ismodified.
 13. The apparatus of claim 3 further including a housing thatforms an elongated cavity in which the drive mechanisms, carriages,motors, fold mirror, area sensor and lens are located, the cavity havinga horizontal length dimension that extends substantially parallel to thesecond optical axis.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the housingand the cavity formed by the housing are located above the microformmedia support structure.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13 further includinga bracket and a coupler, the bracket supported by the chassis formovement between forward and rearward positions along a longitudinaltrajectory that is substantially parallel to the second optical axis,the coupler supported by and movable along with the bracket along thelongitudinal trajectory, the coupler supported by the bracket formovement with respect to the bracket perpendicular to the longitudinaltrajectory along a transverse trajectory, the media support structuremounted to the coupler for movement therewith along both thelongitudinal trajectory and the transverse trajectory.
 16. The apparatusof claim 15 wherein the bracket is mounted to the chassis via bearingsand wherein the coupler includes rods mounted to the bracket viabearings.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15 further including a supply sideroll film attachment and a take up side roll film attachment supportedby the chassis on opposite sides of the housing that forms the elongatedcavity.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein the roll film attachmentsare immediately adjacent opposite sides of the housing.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18 wherein the roll film attachments are mounted tothe bracket for movement along with the bracket as the bracket movesbetween the forward and rearward positions along the longitudinaltrajectory.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the roll filmattachments are restricted for movement along directions parallel to thesecond optical axis.
 21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the mediasupport structure moves along the transverse trajectory unimpeded by theroll film attachments.
 22. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the mediasupport structure further includes a first window, a second window and aframe, the first window supported by the frame and the second windowhingedly mounted to the frame along a rear edge of the second windowproximate a rear edge of the first window, at least portions of theframe, the first and the second windows moveable along the transversetrajectory to at least a first position where at least portions of theframe, first window and second window vertically overlap with the sourceroll film attachment and to at least a second position where at leastportions of the frame, first window and second window vertically overlapwith the take up roll film attachment.
 23. The apparatus of claim 15wherein the fold mirror is located within a front portion of the housingthat has a width dimension parallel to the transverse trajectory, themedia support structure further including a first window, a secondwindow and a frame, the first window supported by the frame and thesecond window hingedly mounted to the frame along a rear edge of thesecond window proximate a rear edge of the first window, the frame, andfirst and second windows moveable along with the coupler parallel to thetransverse trajectory to end locations where at least portions of theframe and first and second windows are vertically misaligned with thefront portion of the housing.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23 furtherincluding a supply side roll film attachment and a take up side rollfilm attachment supported by the chassis on opposite sides of the frontportion of the housing.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the rollfilm attachments are immediately adjacent opposite sides of the frontportion of the housing.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the rollfilm attachments are mounted to the bracket for movement along with thebracket as the bracket moves between the forward and rearward positionsalong the longitudinal trajectory.
 27. The apparatus of claim 23 furtherincluding a lever extending from the second window proximate the rearedge of the second window, the lever traveling along a path duringmovement of the frame from the first position to the second position, aramp supported by the chassis and within the path that the lever travelsduring movement between the rearward and forward positions so that thelever contacts the ramp and the second window is angled upward withrespect to the first widow when the frame and first and second windowsare in the forward position and so that the lever is released from theramp and the second window is parallel to the first window when theframe and the first and second windows are in the rearward position. 28.The apparatus of claim 15 wherein a light source is supported by thechassis and is vertically spaced from the fold mirror to form a gap andwherein the microform media support structure is vertically aligned withthe gap for movement into and out of the gap.
 29. The apparatus of claim28 wherein the light source directs light through the media supportstructure onto the fold mirror.
 30. The apparatus of claim 29 whereinthe light source is a first light source, the apparatus furtherincluding a second light source supported within the housing to directlight toward the media support structure to reflect off a microformmedia supported thereby and back toward the fold mirror.
 31. Theapparatus of claim 3 wherein the media support structure furtherincludes a first window, a second window and a frame, the first windowsupported by the frame and the second window hingedly mounted to theframe along a rear edge of the second window proximate a rear edge ofthe first window, a lever extending from the second window proximate therear edge of the second window, the frame and first and second windowssupported by the chassis for sliding motion along an axis that issubstantially parallel to the second optical axis between at least arearward position and a forward position, the lever traveling along apath during movement of the frame from the rearward position to theforward position, a ramp supported by the chassis and within the paththat the lever travels during movement between the rearward and forwardpositions so that the lever contacts the ramp and the second window isangled upward with respect to the first widow when the frame and firstand second windows are in the forward position and so that he lever isreleased from the ramp and the second window is parallel to the firstwindow when the frame and the first and second windows are in therearward position.
 32. A digital microform imaging apparatus,comprising: a chassis, a fold mirror supported by the chassis andincluding a reflecting surface for directing light from a firstsubstantially vertical optical axis to a second substantially horizontaloptical axis; a microform media support structure supported by thechassis for supporting a microform media along the first optical axis; afirst carriage supported by the chassis for movement along a trajectorythat is substantially parallel to the second optical axis; an areasensor supported by the first carriage for movement along the secondoptical axis within a first range to adjust a distance between the areasensor and the fold mirror, the area sensor further supported by thefirst carriage for rotation about an axis parallel to the second opticalaxis; a second carriage supported by the chassis for movement along atrajectory that is substantially parallel to the second optical axis; alens supported by the second carriage for movement along the secondoptical axis within a second range to adjust the distance between thelens and the fold mirror, the lens positioned between the area sensorand the fold mirror; a housing that forms an elongated cavity in whichthe carriages, fold mirror, area sensor and lens are located, the cavityhaving a horizontal length dimension that extends substantially parallelto the second optical axis; a bracket supported by the chassis formovement between forward and rearward positions along a longitudinaltrajectory that is substantially parallel to the second optical axis;and a coupler supported by and movable along with the bracket, thecoupler supported by the bracket for movement with respect to thebracket perpendicular to the longitudinal trajectory along a transversetrajectory, the media support structure mounted to the coupler formovement therewith.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32 further including asupply side roll film attachment and a take up side roll film attachmentsupported by the chassis on opposite sides of the housing that forms theelongated cavity.
 34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the roll filmattachments are mounted to the bracket for movement along with thebracket as the bracket moves between the forward and rearward positionsalong the longitudinal trajectory.
 35. The apparatus of claim 34 whereinthe media support structure moves along the transverse trajectoryindependent of the roll film attachments.
 36. The apparatus of claim 34wherein the roll film attachments are restricted to movement alongtrajectories that are parallel to the second optical axis.
 37. Theapparatus of claim 35 wherein the roll film attachments are immediatelyadjacent opposite sides of the housing.
 38. The apparatus of claim 35wherein a light source is supported by the chassis and is verticallyspaced from the fold mirror to form a gap and wherein the microformmedia support structure is aligned with the gap for movement along thetransverse trajectory and the longitudinal trajectory to differentlocations within the gap.
 39. The apparatus of claim 38 wherein thebracket includes first and second parallel and spaced apart brackets andwherein the coupler includes first and second couplers on opposite edgesof the media support structure.
 40. The apparatus of claim 39 whereineach of the couplers includes a rod member and a bearing linked to therod member, the rod members substantially parallel and extending betweenthe first and second brackets.
 41. A digital microform imagingapparatus, comprising: a support structure that forms first and secondcavities, the first and second cavities spaced apart to form asubstantially horizontal gap there between; a microform media supportstructure mounted within the horizontal gap for movement along asubstantially horizontal longitudinal direction and a substantiallyhorizontal transverse direction that is substantially perpendicular tothe longitudinal direction; an illumination source mounted within thefirst cavity to direct light along a first substantially verticaloptical axis across the gap and into a front portion of the secondcavity; a fold mirror including a reflecting surface, the fold mirrorsupported within the second cavity and aligned with the first opticalaxis so that at least a portion of the light from the illuminationsource is directed at the reflecting surface, the reflecting surfaceforming a substantially 45 degree angle with the first optical axis anddirecting light that subtends the reflecting surface along asubstantially horizontal second optical axis that forms a substantially90 degree angle with the first optical axis, the second optical axisextending away from the reflecting surface and toward a rear portion ofthe second cavity; an area sensor supported within the second cavity andaligned along the second optical axis, the area sensor supported alongthe second optical axis for movement there along within a first range ofmovement; and a lens supported within the second cavity between the foldmirror and the area sensor for movement along the second optical axiswithin a second range of movement, the second range overlapping thefirst range at least somewhat.
 42. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein thesecond cavity is located above the microform media support structure.43. The apparatus of claim 41 wherein the media support structureincludes a first window, a second window and a frame, the first windowsupported by the frame and the second window hingedly mounted to theframe along a rear edge of the second window proximate a rear edge ofthe first window, a lever extending from the second window proximate therear edge of the second window, the frame and first and second windowssupported by the chassis for motion along the longitudinal directionbetween at least a rearward position and a forward position, the levertraveling along a path during movement of the frame from the rearwardposition to the forward position, a ramp supported by the chassis andwithin the path that the lever travels during movement between therearward and forward positions so that the lever contacts the ramp andthe second window is angled upward with respect to the first widow whenthe frame and first and second windows are in the forward position andso that the lever is released from the ramp and the second window isparallel to the first window when the frame and the first and secondwindows are in the rearward position.
 44. The apparatus of claim 43wherein the ramp extends downward into the gap from a portion of thestructure that forms an upper one of the first and second cavities. 45.The apparatus of claim 44 wherein the lever extends upward from thesecond window proximate the rear edge of the second window.
 46. Theapparatus of claim 41 further including a housing that forms the secondcavity, the apparatus further including a supply roll film attachmentand a take up roll film attachment that are supported by the chassis onopposite lateral sides of the housing.
 47. The apparatus of claim 46wherein the roll film attachments are located immediately adjacent theopposite sides of the housing.
 48. The apparatus of claim 44 furtherincluding a second illumination source supported within the first cavityand directing light into the gap and toward the media support structureso that the light reflects off a a microform media supported by themedia support structure and toward the reflecting surface.
 49. A digitalmicroform imaging apparatus, comprising: an assembly support structurethat forms first and second cavities, the first and second cavitiesspaced apart to form a substantially horizontal gap there between; anillumination source mounted within the first cavity to direct lightalong a first substantially vertical optical axis across the gap andinto a front portion of the second cavity; a fold mirror including areflecting surface, the fold mirror supported within the second cavityand aligned with the first optical axis so that at least a portion ofthe light from the illumination source is directed at the reflectingsurface, the reflecting surface forming a substantially 45 degree anglewith the first optical axis and directing light that subtends thereflecting surface along a substantially horizontal second optical axisthat forms a substantially 90 degree angle with the first optical axis,the second optical axis extending away from the reflecting surface andtoward a rear portion of the second cavity; an area sensor supportedwithin the second cavity and aligned along the second optical axis, thearea sensor supported along the second optical axis for movement therealong within a first range of movement; and a lens supported within thesecond cavity between the fold mirror and the area sensor for movementalong the second optical axis within a second range of movement, thesecond range overlapping the first range at least somewhat; a microformmedia support structure supported by the assembly support structure formovement within the gap along a substantially horizontal longitudinaldirection that is substantially parallel to the second optical axiswithin a first range of motion between a rearward position and a forwardposition and along a substantially horizontal transverse direction thatis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction within asecond range of motion between first and second end positions; and asource roll film attachment and a take up roll film attachment supportedby the support structure on opposite lateral sides of the second cavity.50. The apparatus of claim 49 wherein the roll film attachments arevertically spaced apart from the media support structure such that themedia support structure moves along the second range of motionsubstantially unimpeded by the roll film attachments.
 51. The apparatusof claim 50 wherein the roll film attachments are vertically spacedabove the media support structure.
 52. The apparatus of claim 50 whereina housing forms the second cavity, the housing including a top surface,each of the roll film attachments includes a roll attachment shaft andthe shafts extend substantially parallel to the second optical axis,each shaft at a height that is below the top surface of the housing. 53.The apparatus of claim 49 wherein the second cavity is formed above thegap.
 54. The apparatus of claim 49 wherein the roll film attachments arelinked to the media support structure to move therewith as the mediasupport structure moves along the longitudinal direction between therearward and forward positions.